Working width
The maximum width of the strip of land processed by the machine in one pass.
The large width makes it easier to work in large open areas, allowing them to be dealt with faster. At the same time, it is easier to deal with bottlenecks and hard-to-reach nooks and crannies with a small working width — a large unit may simply not fit where a smaller one will pass without problems. So it is worth choosing according to this indicator, taking into account the features of the planned work. If we talk about specific numbers, then in the smallest models the capture width
does not exceed 50 cm, in the largest it can be
1 m or more, a value
from 50 to 75 cm can be called average, and
from 75 cm to 1 m — above average.
Also note that some models allow you to expand the processing width by installing additional cutters. However, note that the wider the band, the more power is needed for efficient operation. It is believed that for the full use of the two-wheel tractor, it must produce at least 1 hp. for every 20 cm of width; however, for loose soils and shallow depths, smaller values are sufficient.
Motor model
Model of the engine installed in the two-wheel tractor / cultivator. The main performance data of the engine is usually indicated in the general data for the unit. However, knowing the exact name of the motor, you can find more detailed information on it — starting from specific data like torque or revolutions and ending with reviews and reviews. Also, data on the engine model can be useful when searching for spare parts or consumables.
Motor power
Engine power of the cultivator / walk-behind tractor in horsepower. The basic unit of power these days is the watt, but gasoline and diesel engines (see "Engine type") often use the more traditional horsepower designation. 1 hp is approximately equal to 735 watts.
A more powerful engine allows you to achieve higher productivity, width and depth of processing. On the other hand, high power significantly affects the price, weight and dimensions of the unit, as well as electricity / fuel consumption. In light of this, the characteristics of the engine are selected by the manufacturer, taking into account which “weight category” the walk-behind tractor belongs to. The most limited modern units have a power
of up to 2 hp., in the most severe and advanced, this figure can
exceed 13 hp. ;
4 - 7 HP can be called an average, and
2 - 4 hp. and
7 - 13 hp respectively below and above average.
Detailed recommendations on the optimal power for a particular situation can be found in special sources.
Motor power
Motor block / cultivator engine power in watts. This designation is normally used for electric engines, but can also be used for gasoline/diesel engines, along with horsepower (for these, see Engine Power above).
A more powerful engine allows you to achieve higher productivity, width and depth of processing. On the other hand, high power significantly affects the price, weight and dimensions of the unit, as well as electricity / fuel consumption. In light of this, the engine power is selected by the manufacturer, taking into account which “weight category” the walk-behind tractor belongs to, what characteristics it should show. So, the lightest models have a power
of up to 1.5 kW, just such a device is best suited for a small area of 6 - 8 acres. Motoblocks
up to 3 kW are already able to cope with 10 - 15 acres, a power of
3.5 - 5 kW is suitable for a plot from 50 acres to a couple of hectares. Units
for 5 - 10 kW already belong to the professional level, they are "too tough" open spaces of 7 - 10 hectares; and the heaviest and most powerful modern walk-behind tractors have a power
of more than 10 kW.
Start type
Starting method of the gasoline or diesel engine (see "Engine type") provided in the unit.
— Manual. Starting due to the muscular strength of a person: the operator pulls a special cable or turns the handle, due to which the shaft turns and the engine receives the initial impulse necessary for operation. Manual start systems are inexpensive, light and compact, and do not depend on batteries that can run out at the worst possible moment. On the other hand, the starting process itself can require considerable effort, especially in a heavy, powerful engine. Therefore, this option is used mainly in relatively low-power models.
—
Electric starter. Starting due to the starter — a small electric motor powered by a battery. Such systems are much more convenient than manual ones — the operator actually only needs to press a button or turn a key; at the same time they are suitable even for the most powerful motors. On the other hand, a starter with a battery significantly increases the weight, dimensions and cost of the entire unit, and with a long idle time, the battery may run out and the system will become useless (however, a spare manual "starter" may be provided for this case). Therefore, this starting method is used exclusively in heavy equipment, for which the ability to do without manual start is more important than the described disadvantages.
Fuel consumption
The average amount of fuel consumed by the gasoline or diesel engine (see "Engine type") of the cultivator/two-wheel tractor per hour of operation. This value is rather conditional, because depending on the mode of operation, fuel consumption may vary in one direction or another; however, in general, it provides an estimate of the approximate amount of fuel required for a given operating time.
Fuel tank volume
The volume of the fuel tank of the cultivator / two-wheel tractor; knowing this parameter and fuel consumption (see above), it is possible to determine the maximum operating time of the unit on a single refill. If you plan to use the device in large areas or to work for a long time, it makes sense to look for a model with a large tank — it will not have to be filled often. On the other hand, for short-term work in small areas, a large tank is not required — in this case, it only increases the weight and dimensions of the unit.
Wheels diameter
The diameter of the main wheels of the two-wheel tractor / cultivator. For flat areas, a small diameter is enough, and for difficult terrain, large wheels are better suited — they are much easier to cope with pits, bumps and various obstacles.
